56th CMA Awards to pair football and country music superstars for hosting duties

Country music's history as a story where all paths lead to Tennessee is one of the many things that unify a pair of 46-year-old superstars -- country artist Luke Bryan and 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning. On Wednesday, November 9, the tandem will host the 56th Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, emanating from Lower Broadway's Bridgestone Arena.

This will mark Bryan's second consecutive year hosting the CMA Awards. Manning is a first-time host. The event will be broadcast live from 8-11 p.m. EST on ABC.

Via a press release, Bryan stated, "When I was asked if Peyton Manning was someone I would consider co-hosting with I didn't hesitate. We have become great friends through the years and what he brings to the table is gonna make it even more of a blast. I know he's been to the CMA Awards before, but he's never been with me. Hey Peyton, I hope you're ready for the night of your life!"

Five-time National Football League MVP Manning said, "I cannot wait to head to Nashville and take the CMA Awards stage alongside my friend Luke Bryan. I am such a huge fan of country music, so to have the chance to stand among so many incredibly talented artists is an absolute honor."

What should we expect from the country performer also beloved on social media and the renowned Super Bowl-winner well regarded as a TV pitchman? CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern "cannot wait to see what Luke and Peyton have up their sleeves, which I'm sure will be hilariously unpredictable and playfully energetic, just like the two of them."

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Final nominees for the 56th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed soon. More information regarding the event can be found by visiting CMAawards.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 56th CMA Awards pairs Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan as hosts